Yes, and Yes - it is the same as current 8 rudder. You will need the 8 VS tip fairing, and both upper and lower fiberglass for the (8) rudder. Both rudders use the same counterweight. You will need the original 7 rudder stop dimensions.
I'll update with my post on dimensions.
See Bob Mills post on his rudder mods - it is the 8 rudder. https://vansairforce.net/community/showpost.php?p=658223&postcount=27
I'm also very interested in hearing from builders that have kept the original -7/7A rudder or added the -8/8A to their -7/7A.
I'm also very interested in hearing from builders that have kept the original -7/7A rudder or added the -8/8A to their -7/7A.
There is a recent thread where Walt and others talked about this.
Also, Matt, IIRC, verified that the RV14 rudder is the same and fitted it to his 7. The 14 rudder has a different internal design making it more torsionally stiff, like rvmills mods.
I've done this on both of my RV-7s (Tailwheel equipped).
The first time was at ~250 hours after the original -7/-9 rudder developed a cracks along the trailing edge in front of a wedge stiffener that I had added early on. The difference, as others have noted, was very pleasant - like power steering; I suppose 20% less wetted area will have that effect. Crosswind landings (i.e. ~15kts) are no big deal, no issue keeping it out of the weeds.
I'd like to know if the newer -7/7A rudder (from the RV-9) has wider chord than the early -7/7A rudder (from the RV-8) or if it is just the taller tip cap and counterweight area?
And by extension, does the RV-14 rudder have a wider chord than an RV-8 rudder? Or are they the same except for the taller tip cap and counterweight?
Ultimately, what I would like to do is use the RV-14 internal stiffener system on an RV-8 rudder with folded 0.020" skin.